Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1312: Setting the Wedding Date

"Mhm," Third Grandma replied, guiding Mrs. Cui and her daughters away.

Upon reaching the residence of Mrs. Cui and Gu Dashan, the two women entered and informed Gu Jinli about the dire situation in the Northwest.

Despite their attempts to soften the blow, Gu Jinli, who had braced herself, was still shaken to her core upon hearing the details. Inwardly, she cursed the Rong people's ancestors for eighteen generations!

It was no wonder Aunt Luo faced such peril even after getting married.

The widespread turmoil caused by the Rong people in the Northwest had led to an explosion of banditry. The Rong were not only wicked but also incredibly cruel, and Third Grandma and Mrs. Cui tearfully recounted harrowing tales of women and children falling victim to their brutality.

Mrs. Cui pleaded, "Xiao Yu, you must stay in the south and absolutely not venture to the Northwest. If you wish to marry soon, you may, but you cannot accompany him. Consider it your mother letting San Lang down; I will be the villain in this!"

Xiao Yu had blossomed beautifully over the last two years, her looks surpassing even Sister Xiu. A girl with such striking features was not only at risk of being abducted by men shortly after marriage if she followed them to the Northwest, but even after bearing children and her appearance fading, the danger of kidnapping would persist.

"You know what happened to Aunt Luo. If something were to befall you, how could I possibly go on living?" Mrs. Cui wept, nearing the point of collapse. While she cared for San Lang, her paramount concern was shielding her daughter from suffering.

Gu Jinli's heart ached at her mother's tears, yet she remained resolute. "Mom, please don't cry. I must go to the Northwest with Brother Qin."

Mrs. Cui was stunned and angrily raised her hand to strike her daughter's back. "You stubborn child! Why won't you listen? The Northwest is not like the South; you cannot simply act on a whim!"

Gu Jinli chuckled. "Mom, I'm not being capricious. Following him to the Northwest is not merely about staying by Brother Qin's side; it's because I possess the ability to protect myself."

In light of the situation, she disclosed her arrangements to Third Grandma and Mrs. Cui, mentioning Daqing, Erqing, You An, You Xi, and the group of beggars led by Xiao Sui.

"Third Grandma, Mom, you see, I'm not going impulsively; I am prepared, so please rest assured," Gu Jinli assured them. She added, "Mom, didn't you always say a family should stay together? If I marry Brother Qin but we live apart, how can we be considered a couple?"

She knelt once more, imploring, "Mom, Third Grandma, I know you cherish me and fear I will suffer in the Northwest, but please trust me. I can protect myself."

With a series of thuds, Mrs. Cui continued to strike her in anger. Gu Jinli endured the blows without complaint, only offering a gentle smile at the end. "Mom, please be gentle, don't hurt your hand."

Mrs. Cui covered her face and sobbed for a full thirty minutes before composing herself and asking again, "You truly have no regrets?"

Gu Jinli replied, "I don't regret it. It's my decision, and I will accept the consequences. Furthermore, I am not one to easily suffer losses. My choice to follow him is to ensure our little family's safety."

She refused to accept a negative outcome; accompanying him was her chosen path to secure their household's well-being alongside Brother Qin.

A grin spread across her face. "Mom, don't be so pessimistic. Perhaps we'll return in a couple of years, and I'll bring you a grandson then; you'll become a Grandma."

Mrs. Cui stared at her, grumbling, "Talking about a grandson before you're even married, how brazen for a young lady."

Gu Jinli shifted slightly, thinking to herself: Brother Qin and I are healthy; having children after marriage is natural. What is wrong with mentioning it?

Mrs. Cui, having navigated such deep sorrow, felt a slight easing of her burden but still inquired, "Xiao Yu, do you genuinely have no regrets?"

Gu Jinli responded, "Mom, you've asked multiple times already. No regrets, truly no regrets. If Brother Qin had to go to the Northwest alone and I couldn't assist him, then I would regret it."

Brother Qin had endured immense hardship, losing all his family members and shouldering everything at such a young age. She had committed to being with him and must face adversity together, refusing to abandon him due to temporary difficulties.

"Mom, I want to cherish Brother Qin," Gu Jinli declared suddenly, her voice filled with sincerity.

Mrs. Cui was taken aback, her face flushing. "You mischievous child, truly thick-skinned... Very well, since you've made up your mind, even if I vehemently opposed it, you would likely sneak away anyway."

She added, "Xiao Yu, before you depart for the Northwest, if you have any second thoughts, tell me. Even if I have to sacrifice my reputation, I will keep you here!"

Gu Jinli laughed. "Mom, if I were to regret it right before leaving, wouldn't that create animosity with the Qin family? We cannot afford that."

Hugging Mrs. Cui, she declared, "Mom, I never imagined you cared for me this deeply; I always assumed my older sister was your favorite."

Tears welled up in Mrs. Cui's eyes again as she responded, "Xiao Yu, I am so sorry... it's my fault for never providing adequately for you; you have suffered because you were born to me."

"Oh, please stop, Mom, no more of those sorrowful words. Hurry and discuss the wedding date with the Qin family." She rose, but quickly leaned down to plant a kiss on Mrs. Cui's cheek, laughing, "Mom, you're the best, and I'm so happy to be your daughter."

While Mrs. Cui could be somewhat hesitant, her affection for her daughter was undeniable. Despite actions that sometimes defied convention, both Mrs. Cui and Gu Dashan offered their unwavering support.

If her mother had been like Mrs. Chen, the idea of opening a workshop might have been unthinkable, let alone actually doing it; such a suggestion could have led to a severe scolding, or worse.

Mrs. Cui's cheeks flushed from Gu Jinli's kiss. "This child is always so bold," she admonished, "In the future, avoid kissing elders like that. Hugging Mom is fine, but kissing others could lead to a significant scandal."

After dabbing her eyes, she stood up with a sigh, following Third Grandma as they led Gu Jinli and Gu Jinxiu back towards the dining hall.

Upon their return, Qin San Lang offered a respectful bow from a distance towards Mrs. Cui, his gaze then shifting to Gu Jinli.

Gu Jinli gave him a knowing wink and mouthed, "It's settled!"

At that moment, Qin San Lang experienced a mix of heartache and relief. He acknowledged his own selfishness, wanting to keep her close despite understanding the perils that awaited them in the Northwest.

Third Grandpa glanced at Third Grandma, inquiring, "Did you explain everything to her? Is she still determined to go?"

Third Grandma, who had also shed tears, her eyes visibly swollen, nodded. "She's still going. She says she has no regrets."

Gu Jinli added, "If I don't accompany Brother Qin now, I will regret it later... Third Grandpa, Dad, please be assured, nothing will happen to us. We will definitely return safe and sound."

Seeing his daughter's firm resolve and also caring for San Lang, Gu Dashan, despite his inner sadness, nodded in agreement. "In that case, let's finalize the wedding date and proceed with the marriage soon."

Upon hearing this, Qin San Lang knelt once more, bowing deeply to Gu Dashan and Mrs. Cui. "Thank you, Uncle Dashan, Aunt Dashan, for your immense kindness!"

He gave them his solemn promise: "Rest assured, I will bring Xiao Yu back safely."

"Get up, we are family now. There's no need for such formalities," Gu Dashan said, helping Qin San Lang to his feet as the two families began to discuss the wedding date.

Given the pressing circumstances, there was insufficient time for a meticulous selection of an auspicious date. They settled on November 16th.

"This date is quite favorable. Getting married will allow for a few days of respite, so let's choose this day," Gu Dashan suggested.

The proposal met with general agreement.

Third Grandma, with her extensive experience in managing such matters, stated, "I will select two additional dates. I shall travel to the county town today to find a master. This elder will consult the chosen dates with San Lang's and Xiao Yu's eight characters, selecting the most suitable one. We must avoid any conflicting omens, lest we face hardship throughout our lives."

"Yes, yes, Third Aunt has considered everything thoroughly," Mrs. Cui nodded enthusiastically. "I will accompany Third Aunt. We can also visit the escort agency and summon Brother Luo Er and Sister-in-law Luo back. Our families are now in-laws, and this important matter ought to be discussed with them."